This cowl is an exploration of opposites, translated loosely into knitting. I was curious about how two drastically different yarns would behave in the same project, while using a stitch that is both reversible and beautiful on both sides. Combining two contrasting colors for the yarns as well proved another artistic element that I wanted to explore. So: how many opposite elements could I combine? As many as possible!

Knitted from the center-out using Cat Bordhi’s Moebius Cast On, this fun brioche knit works up quickly. On one edge, you’ll see knit columns in one color with the purls in the other; the other edge you’ll see
the reverse.

The Janus Cowl is inspired by opposites: as you see two different sides at once —the light knitted columns with darker purl columns as well as the colors in reverse — it is a meditation on past and future, here and there, up and down. The choice of yarns is also symbolic; one is smooth, neutral, calm, while the other is fibrous, wild, and vibrant. Color and texture depict polarity in this cowl, while the consistency of stitch pattern depicts the groundedness of the individual knitter.

Janus was the Roman god of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, doorways, duality, passages, and endings. He is often depicted with two faces: one looking to the past and one looking to the future.

MATERIALS
Color A: Illimani Santi 45% ultra fine merino, 25% baby alpaca, 15% yak, 15% mulberry silk; 137 yds/125 m per 50g skein; color Dark Grey, 2 skeins

Color B: Cumulus by Fyberspates 74% baby suri alpaca, 26% mulberry silk; 164 yds/150 m per 25g skein; color 912 Camel, 2 skeins

Needles:
Size 5/3.75mm needles: 40”/100cm circular needle
choose a needle with a very smooth cable join for easiest manuevering of stitches over the join.
Size 5 DPN optional for I-Cord Bind Off

Notions required:
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
stitch marker for beginning of round